iv] FIELD WORK 27 



local conditions of growth. Probably there will be a certain 

 amount of information already recorded, and there may be 

 sample plots for the periodical measurement of girth-growth oT 

 numbered sample trees already established. During the present 

 detailed examination of the growing stock there should be a 

 valuable amount of statistical figures obtained, such as careful 

 measurements of the cubic contents of sample trees, ring 

 countings, borings with Pressler's borer, and calculations of 

 current and mean annual increment. All these investigations 

 should be worked out and the results tabulated, and incorporated 

 as appendices in the plan under preparation. 



28. Formation of working-circles. 



We now have to consider the subdivision of the area in relation 

 to its organisation for the purpose of systematic working under 

 a definite plan. A working-plan may be prepared for an estate 

 or district containing woodland areas of diverse kinds, as for 

 instance coniferous woods worked as high-forest, and broad- 

 leaved woods worked as coppice-with-standards, requiring al- 

 together different treatment. The first step to be taken then is 

 to divide the area up into working-circles, each of which will 

 be composed of an area of forest worked under one and the same 

 method of treatment, with the same rotation, and the same set 

 of rules, under the provisions of one working-plan. 



29. Formation of felling-series. 



The boundaries of the different working-circles having been 

 determined, it may be found that for working purposes the 

 areas so defined are inconveniently large. Instead therefore of 

 working the whole area under one set of fellings, it may be 

 advantageous from several points of view to divide the working- 

 circle up into felling-series, each of which will be a unit area of 

 working. The advantages of this arrangement are, better pro- 

 tection against wind and insects, increased facilities for the 

 distribution of the produce to different centres of consumption, 

 distribution of work among establishments, and improved con- 

 ditions with regard to supervision and transport. The subdivision 

 of the working-circle into felling-series makes no difference to 



